Which dog breed is a better family pet?I am thinking seriosly about getting a golden when we move to our acreage(13 1/2 acres)and I also liked the German shepherds bravery and courage yet still be able to play fetch.The Golden however is more affectionate and would be more likely to lick an intruder than bark but maybe he'd bark happily I don't know.And also the golden is easier to train than the German Shep.So I was wondering which makes the better family pet, the German shepherd or the Golden retriever?

-- Stephanie (aubrey56@maine.rr.com), November 12, 2001

Answers

Stephanie, there are many, many variables you will want to consider before deciding on a particular breed. A good book is "The Right Dog for You." It is probably available at the library or through inter- library loan.

If you do decide on either Golden Retriever or German Shepherd, please be aware that both of these understandably popular breeds have in many instances been quite overbred. They are therefore particularly prone to hereditary weaknesses. Please be sure to deal with a conscientious breeder, with a guarantee. Find out what problems the breed is prone to (hip displasia is common in both breeds, Shepherds can have temperament problems, Goldens can be amazingly stupid), and ask whether the parents have tested negative for any problems. Ask whether the parents have advanced performance or field titles (proving they are intelligent). Play with the puppy's parents. Talk to other people who have dogs from the breeder which are at least a few years old, old enough to start showing signs of health problems.

Then learn how to pick a puppy with the basic temperament you are looking for. Do you want a very dominant dog? A submissive dog? A companionable dog? How about a dog that plays well with other dogs? You can tell a lot by watching a litter of puppies interact. There are lots of good books and articles available on this subject. You can start by searching puppy intelligence test on Google.

Research, research, research, ESPECIALLY when dealing with very popular, common, and frequently puppy mill breeds. This is a decision with very long-lasting consequences. It is likely that the dog you choose now will be seeing you off to college (should you choose to attend). Make sure you've done everything you can to make this a successful relationship, starting with knowing enough to choose the dog that's just right for you. Best of luck!

-- Laura Jensen (lauraj@seedlaw.com), November 12, 2001.

Stephanie, did you ever consider adopting a pet from an animal shelter? I think they make the best pets, because somehow I think they know you saved them from a death sentance.

-- ruby (mcfays451@aol.com), November 12, 2001.

STEPHANIE....GO TO THE LIBRARY AND ASK FOR A BOOK BY A FAMOUS VET... "THE PUPPY REPORT".THIS WILL GIVE YOU MORE REASONS TO PICK A MUTT.I`M VERY DISILLUSIONED WITH PUREBRED DOGS.LEARN FROM PUPPY BOOKS HOW TO PICK A GOOD PUPPY.PERHAPS THERE IS A CHAPTER IN THE ABOVE BOOK. IN A WORD GO WITH THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER OVER THE SHEPHERD[THE NUMBER ONE DOG MOST LIKELY TO BITE IN NORTH AMERICA AND BRITAIN BASED ON STATISTICS.]FOR THE GOLDEN TO BE A BETTER WATCH DOG DON`T SOCIALIZE HIM TOO MUCH WITH PEOPLE.PRAISE HIM WHEN HE BARKS AT PEOPLE BUT EXCESSIVE DOG BARKING WILL BRING COMPLAINTS.SO GO "GOOD DOG" WHEN HE BARKS AT INTRUDERS.BUT GET HIM TO STOP WHEN YOU SAY "QUIET" I FIND SHEPHERDS TO BE A ONE MAN DOG PERSONALY.[A GIRL I KNOW WAS THE MAIN CARE GIVER OF A SHEPHERD.THE MOTHER SLAPPED THE DAUGHTER THE DOG ATTACKED THE MOTHER.]IN CASE SOME ONE JUMPS ON THIS AS A SINGLE INCIDENT...DON`T GO THERE.I KNOW A LOT MORE.PLUS I CAN GET MORE DISCRIPTIVE.ATTACKS THAT SURGEONS/VETS/ANIMAL CONTROL PEOPLE HAVE NEVER SEEN THE LIKES BEFORE.SHEPHERDS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE BAD HIPS. I`VE BEEN THREATENED IN EVERY HOME I VISITED THAT HAD A SHEPHERD. [NEVER BY A PIT BULL IN 30-50 SITUATIONS] I`M AN ANIMAL LOVER AND A FORMER DOG SHOW HANDLER.YES THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE BUT REMEMBER THAT STATISTICS COUNT.THE MOST LOVING DOG I EVER OWNED WAS A PIT BULL THAT I RESCUED.I`M DOGLESS NOW BUT MY NEXT ONE WILL PROBABLY BE ANOTHER PIT BULL.THE FIRST ONE WAS A JUNK YARD DOG THAT I MADE INTO A SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE PET.SHE WAS SAFE WITH PEOPLE...BUT WANTED TO ATTACK ANYTHING WITH FOUR LEGS AT FIRST.IT WAS A LONG HARD ROAD BUT SHE LEARNED THAT THATS NOT WHAT I WANTED OF HER.I NEVER TRUSTED HER OFF LEASH AND I`M A FIRM SUPPORTER OF LEASH LAWS ANYWAYS.WHEN YOUR DOGS AT ARMS LENGTH THEN THEY CAN`T HAVE AN INCCIDENT UNLESS YOU ALLOWED IT.

CORDWOODGUY

-- CORDWOODGUY (cordwoodguy@n2teaching.com), November 12, 2001.

If you're not already committed to one of those breeds, you might consider a greyhound. I've only known one, but he was absolutely the BEST natured most beautiful dog I've ever known.

-- witness (witness@hotmail.com), November 12, 2001.

Stephanie, I agree with Ruby get an animal shelter dog. We have 2 cats, a Golden Retriever MIX, and A Beagle MIX that came from the shelter.They are the most loving AND protective animals I've seen. They do know you have saved their lives and they will return the kindness. We also have a stray cat and a stray Yellow Lab MIX that just showed up and a 6 year old cat that we have had since birth. Animals just seem to know which people will take care of them. Go with a shelter dog OR cat. You won't regret it!!

-- Lou Ann KY (homes_cool@msn.com), November 12, 2001.

I have purchased puppies, rescued older dogs, adopted from shelters and gotten "free" dogs from newspaper ads. What ever you do first of all look at the costs. We figure it costs about $400 a year per dog. And that's just normal costs (license, food, normal shots) We adopted a 7 month old toy poodle from the shelter. She has been with us for 6 years now and we love her to death. But just this year she has cost us over $1000, she broke the ACL's in her rear leg knees and then had one weekend "illness" that ended up costing us $400 to find out it was gas!!!! But that's another story. Our 17 year old mixed breed had her 3rd stroke a few weeks ago and we had to have her put to sleep ($150). We also have 2 border collies. (One we paid $350 for, the other we got from the shelter). Which ever breed of dog you choose also remember that you are adopting a member into your family and that it shouldn't be considered a temporary thing. Take your time. Get to know the dog before taking it home and train, train, train, train..............

-- Mary R. (cntryfolk@ime.net), November 12, 2001.

I already found a golden retriever rescue that is in my town.I am going to see a couple of dogs in Freeport on Dec 1.I already talked to the guy who runs it.He says there might be a dog who has puppys in the spring.so Thanks for suggesting the shelter but I already been searchin'.I guess great minds think alike!!!I am pretty stuck to the Goldens.They seem like the best breed to choose for our family.My mom is getting pretty crazy because I can't stop yaking about Goldens but it is just that I have wanted a dog as long as I can remember.

-- Stephanie (aubrey56@maine.rr.com), November 12, 2001.

Go with a shelter dog! I rescued my dog from the local shelter and had her for a wonderful 11 years before she died from old age. She had a little bit of everything in her and had the best of them all. Take your time and find one that fits into your family best-this is a life time commitment. You won't regret it!

-- c.d. (his4ever@mac.com), November 12, 2001.

a cat

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), November 12, 2001.

What kind of woman makes the best wife?

-- paul (primrose@centex.net), November 12, 2001.

Spayed female lab mut, crossed w/golden or shepherd.

-- DW (djwallace@ctos.net), November 12, 2001.

I've had Goldens for the last 18 years. They are wonderful companions and great family members. They do want to interact with the family. Ours stay outside during the day when I'm at work, but if I'm at home they INSIST on being inside too. They sleep in our bedroom, but on their own beds. At 85 and 92 pounds each they take up a lot of room. We have never had children of our own so the dogs aren't used to little kids, but when neices & nephews visit the dogs are GREAT. They allow themselves to be pushed, pulled, sat on, etc. with never a complaint. The oldest Golden I had was 15 when I had to put him down. I have a 13 year old now who is still very active and a 4 year old who still thinks he's a puppy. They do shed a lot. They bark very fearlessly when someone comes onto the property. More than one person has decided to stay in their car until I invite them to get out. I highly recommend meeting the parents and stay away from pet shop puppy mills.

-- cathy in NC (planet10@gloryroad.net), November 12, 2001.

I've had both and much prefer the Golden. While not a ferocious attack dog with intruders, they are protective and can have an intimidating bark. I'd definately go with one over a Shepard. There are a number of Golden Retriever rescue groups around and I'd be happy to put you in contact with some in your area if you'd care to email me.

My Golden always made me think of an old adage, "May I be as good a person as my dog thinks I am." I hope this helps.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), November 12, 2001.

Okay...I just HAVE to say it...What kind of man makes the best husband?

-- Marcia (HrMr@webtv.net), November 12, 2001.

I also recommend you get the book, "The Right Dog for You" by Daniel Tortora. It is only about purebreds. However, you might find a shelter dog that is a mix, and you can get an idea of what personality traits the dog might have. The book, at the least, gives you an idea of the many factors you have to consider when getting a dog. Many mixed breed/mutt dogs are great. However, I've seen some that were apparently somewhat nuts, fearful, biters, etc. Not all mixes are perfect dogs either.

Goldens have been VERY popular, and you will have to be extra careful to do your research on what to investigate about a breeder, and then DO the investigation of that breeder. Or you may well end up with a poorly bred specimen. On the other hand, my best friend just brought home a really great Keeshond from a rescue group. Sweet, friendly dog, likes their other dog and their cat already. Can't imagine why anyone didn't want her! So rescue dogs are not all problem dogs, at least problems that are their fault. Some people just shouldn't have dogs or even other pets.

-- Joy F [in So. Wisconsin] (CatFlunky@excite.com), November 12, 2001.

Personally I would choose a shepherd or shepherd mix. Their fur is less maintainance and their breath is fresher and they don't smell like dogs. But then, goldens are easier to train, shepherds are just too smart. I have two: a german shepherd/husky mix and an aussie shepherd/husky mix. Love 'em.

Get what you like and you'll never regret it! With dogs it truly is "love the one you're with".

-- Anne (HealthyTouch101@wildmail.com), November 12, 2001.

I agree you should get what YOU like the best. I love my bassett hounds. They are not the best breed for everyone, but for me...I just love them and will always have bassetts!! I agree that pound dogs are very often sweet, but I have had a couple that were pretty awful too. I am stubborn, and hung in there with them for their life, but now stick to my favorite breed. I do like Goldens better than German shepherds though. I worked in dog grooming shops for years and just usually found Goldens to be such sweethearts, and smart too.

-- Jenny (auntjenny6@aol.com), November 12, 2001.

I've had my share of dogs and each one was special in his/her own way. For a family I think I would recommend a Golden. I had one and she was a super good dog. She wasn't purebred. I think she had some collie in her, but her heart was pure golden. Yes, we got her at the shelter.

As for humans, what kind of man/woman makes the best husband/wife? I'd have to say the best ones are the imperfect ones who need to be loved and accepted unconditionally anyhow. :) (I couldn't resist that one either)

-- Nancy in Maine (paintme61@yahoo.com), November 13, 2001.

I love my shelter acquired mutt bitch. She is a lovey big time!! No idea whats in her lineage..maybe some husky or border collie but she's a real mystery. She requires a lot of brushing. If I had to choose a breed for a family dog I have two choices...pugs and bulldogs.

-- Alison in N.S. (aproteau@istar.ca), November 13, 2001.

Depends on the size of the predators you want it to be able to drive from the yard, our German Shepard has driven off grown raccoons, mountain lion (yes, we have some here in SE OH), and black bear.

You could not ask for a more intelligent, loyal, fierce, and loving friend than a properly trained German Shepard!!!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), November 13, 2001.

I agree with you on the German Shepherd, Annie. Our shepherd was 10 mos. old when our son was born (waaay back in '72!) Those two were practically inseperable. He was such a great dog! Then we had a collie, who was also wonderful. She would take my son to the bus stop in the morning and meet him in the afternoon when he got off the bus! I will definitely have another shepherd or collie pup soon...if I can talk DH into it!!

-- Marcia (HrMr@webtv.net), November 13, 2001.

Best dog Miniature Pincher (fixed)

Best wife "one that will put up with all your faults and still cook"

Best husband "one that will accept you as you are and still cuddle after 10 years of marriage" (wife said that one)

Best car "A TRUCK" (that runs)

Big smiles to all.

-- Kenneth in N.C. (wizardsplace13@hotmail.com), November 15, 2001.